Week Aweigh Cruises

5 or 6 day San Juan Islands Sailing Vacations

Set sail on your ultimate fully crewed, all-inclusive San Juan sailing vacation. The San Juans are world-class destination, considered by many to be the crown jewels of the Pacific Northwest. Only one thing could make them better: YOU! Most sailing charters adhere to rigid schedules and itineraries. When you sail with us, YOU set the schedule! Want to set sail on a Friday? A Tuesday? A Sunday? No worries! Want to sail for six days but your travel plans only allow for five? No problem! Check your calendar and give us a call. We will usually be able to find dates to fulfill your wishes. Enjoy a private charter for four. Want a romantic get-away for just the two of you? The choice is yours! Or you may opt to Share-a-Cruise with friends you’ve yet to meet! Also available: 3 or 4 day Weekdays Aweigh or Weekend Aweigh  and 1 or 2 day Sailing Excursion Cruises

Call or text (253)381-3919 or email: ron@nwsailing.com

The Ultimate  Experience:

Six luxurious days sailing the San Juan Islands

Typical Itinerary

 

Day One: Your adventure begins in Bellingham, about two hours north of Seattle or three hours from Sea Tac International Airport. We set sail in the early afternoon, usually between 1:00 and 2:00 pm (right after lunch).

Your destination for today is Sucia Island. You’ll arrive at Sucia after a delightful four to six hour sail, depending on the winds, currents, and route chosen. You’re likely to see porpoises, seals and sea lions along the way. This will whet your appetite for what is to come!

Your first night will be spent in one of Sucia’s seven beautiful anchorages after enjoying a gourmet dinner served aboard. While there, you’ll enjoy examining the island’s distinctive sandstone formations up close, hiking, paddling, or a bit of beachcombing in Sucia Island State Park.

Day Two: After coffee and breakfast, you’ll embark on the next leg of your adventure. Your destination for today is Garrison Bay on San Juan Island. Along the way, be on the lookout for Orcas, Humpbacks, and Minke Whales which to frequent this area.

You may stop off at Roche Harbor to visit the 19 acre sculpture park, walk the docks to look at the enormous luxury yachts, peruse the work of local artists, or learn about the historic lime kilns. You’ll then continue on to your destination.

You’ll anchor in sheltered Garrison Bay within sight of English Camp National Historic Park. You’ll dine aboard, possibly with an appetizer of live oysters purchased at the Westcott Bay Shellfish Company.

While in Garrison Bay, you’ll want to visit English Camp to learn about the Pig War and possibly hike up Young Hill for its sweeping views of the islands.

Day Three: You’ll set sail for Prevost Harbor on pastoral Stuart Island, passing the historic Turn Point Light Station along the way.

A visit to Stuart Island is like going back in time! Many of the families that live there are descendants of the pioneers who settled the island. The island is off the grid, so those who require electricity must make their own.

While there, you may choose to walk to the Light Station. You may tour the restored light keeper’s quarters and the museum or simply sit on the huge verandah and put your feet up.

Along the way, you’ll see yaks (yes, yaks!) grazing at Ericksen Farm, which has been in operation for over a hundred years. Another point of interest is the one-room school house which was in operation until just a few years ago.

You can also buy a locally designed souvenir from one of the treasure chests found around the island which offer their wares on the honor system. Simply take what you want and pay when you get home. Prevost Harbor is another great place to paddle.

Day Four: Your next destination is bustling Friday Harbor on San Juan Island.

Along the way, you may sail past Spieden Island where you are likely to see herds of exotic animals that roam the savanna-like south side of the island. You’ll also pass Yellow Island, Owned by the Nature Conservancy, on which the area’s indigenous people cultivated and harvested camas roots in days gone by.

You’ll continue down San Juan Channel to Friday Harbor, the hub of island activity. Here Diminuendo will tie up dockside overnight. There are many art galleries, museums, scooter rentals, and tours on offer just a short walk from the marina. You’ll dine out in one of the town’s fine restaurants and have a night on the town. With Diminuendo moored in the marina, you’re free to come and go as you please.

Day Five: Today you’ll depart Friday Harbor for a destination unknown. With so many wonderful islands to choose from, we like to let the destination choose itself. Your captain will pick a nice spot based on opportunities that present themselves and on your timeframe. Please let him know if you have any time constraints (such as flight plans or a long drive) on your final day aboard so he can choose accordingly.

Day Six: Relax and enjoy your cruise back to the dock in Bellingham. We usually arrive in port in the early afternoon, unless you needed to return early.

Alas, all good things must come to an end. We trust that your time aboard Diminuendo has created lasting memories. We hope to welcome you aboard again soon!

Five days sailing the San Juan Islands

Your five-day adventure includes all of the most popular destinations of a six-day charter, but with one destination omitted. We usually sail directly from Friday Harbor to Bellingham, arriving between 2:00 and 4:00 pm.

Alternative Destinations

When you and your party book the entire boat for a private cruise charter, you have the added flexibility of fine tuning your crewed boat charter vacation six-day itinerary, creating a week tailored to your personal preferences. Some variations on your private charter cruise could include the following:

Lopez Island: Lopez Island offers many tantalizing possibilities such as Spenser Spit State Park, Watmough Bay, or Mackaye Harbor. With its relatively flat terrain, Lopez Island is an excellent choice for bicycling. Bikes are available for rent, but delivery of your bikes to our destination must be made in advance. When a local passes by in their car, they will always lift a finger in greeting. No, not THAT finger!

Orcas Island: The largest of the islands (depending on who you talk to) is Orcas Island. It offers a few possible destinations.

Deer Harbor is a small, intimate marina with a couple of small restaurants.

Rosario Resort in East Sound offers a luxurious spa, a swimming pool, and in the evenings it is common for the resort manager to play the Hammond pipe organ in what was once the Moran mansion. Cascade Lake is a short hike from the resort.

Due to its size, in order to fully experience the island will require a vehicle. If arranged in advance, a rental car can be dropped off at a pre-determined destination. Or you may choose to take a guided tour with one of the local operators.

You’ll definitely want to make your way to the top of Mount Constitution in Moran State Park. Atop its 2400 foot peak is a stone observation tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) during the great depression. From there you’ll be able to take in the full panorama. You may recognize some of the islands you’ve visited.

Call or text (253)381-3919 or email: ron@nwsailing.com